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County has first case of West Nile |
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Wednesday, 29 August 2007 |
On Thursday, the Pondera County Health Department, in conjunction with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS), confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) fever in Pondera County for 2007.
The confirmed case is an 83-year-old male who was treated in an area hospital and was released Thursday to recover at his home.
Citing privacy issues, the victim and exact hospital name would not be released by either department.
WNV is making its presence felt across several counties after a somewhat quiet summer. So far Montana has 42 known cases of WNV including the case here, one in Toole County and three in Cascade County.
A 93-year-old woman in Cascade County has died from WNV, the first Montanan to die as a result of the mosquito born virus since 2003.
Across the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 444 cases of the WNV have been reported and 15 deaths.
In Montana, there are nine known cases of horses being infected and interestingly enough, one Moose in Ravalli County was tested positive after it died.
Elton Mosher, a disease-tracking specialist, with DPHHS said, “So far, this is the worst season on record for West Nile virus in Montana.”
He went on to add, “We’re still in the middle of the season.” Most cases in the state take place between the months of July and September.
The virus is not contagious, but is passed on through the bite of a female mosquito. The pesky insect is infected when they feed on infected birds.
While WNV is generally not transmitted from person-to-person, even by kissing, there have been cases of individuals contracting the disease through blood transfusions, organ transplants and nursing mothers milk.
However, many people who become infected with WNV show no symptoms at all.
Some individuals may develop a mild illness, called West Nile Fever that could last for 3-6 days. Usually, no treatment is needed.
Other individuals, mostly the elderly, but fewer than one in 150 may become severely infected with West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis.
Symptoms of this disease may include headache, a rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis.
Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should see their health-care provider.
Generally speaking, the chances of coming down with WNV can be reduced by remembering what is commonly referred to the 4 D’s of control.
They are: stay inside during the hours of dusk and dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active and the weather is calm.
Dress in long sleeves and pants; use insect repellents containing DEET and if you have any sources of standing water, make sure you drain them.
If you have questions or want more information, contact Pondera County Health Nurse Cynthia Grubb at 271-3247.
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